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Q. Are there any city or state regulations on towing a vehicle in Juneau?

Dear Juneau Resident,

The vehicle being towed has to have adequate lighting to be seen and a safe rope or chain, one guy tried to use an electrical cord once, or the towing driver can run afoul of multiple laws concerning endangerment type issues. Also, a minor may not tow another vehicle and there are requirements concerning brakes.

13 AAC 04.205. Brakes

(a) Except as otherwise provided in this chapter, every motor vehicle and every combination of vehicles must have a service braking system which will stop the vehicle or combination of vehicles within 40 feet from an initial speed of 20 miles per hour on a level, dry, smooth, clear, hard surface, except that a passenger car or other single-unit vehicle with a manufacturer's gross vehicle weight rating of 10,000 pounds or less must be able to stop within 25 feet from an initial speed of 20 miles per hour on a similar surface.

(b) A motor vehicle or combination of vehicles, except a motor-driven cycle or bicycle, must have a parking brake system adequate to hold the vehicle or combination of vehicles on any grade on which driven under all conditions of loading, on a surface free from snow, ice, or loose material.

(c) A motor vehicle or combination of vehicles must comply with applicable federal motor vehicle safety standards adopted by the United States Department of Transportation.

(d) No driver may operate a motor vehicle on a public roadway or other vehicular way, towing a vehicle with a GVWR greater than 5,000 pounds, unless the following conditions are met:

(1) the towed vehicle must have operating brakes on at least two wheels on each side of a three axle vehicle, or one wheel on each side of a double or single axle vehicle;

(2) the towed vehicle requiring brakes must be equipped with an operating, breakaway system capable of applying all required brakes in the event of separation from the towing vehicle; and

(3) the towing vehicle must be of sufficient size and weight to safely control the towed vehicle.

(e) No person may operate a motor vehicle on the roadway towing more than one vehicle unless the towing vehicle weighs more than 15,000 pounds, has three or more axles, and is equipped with an air brake system for both the towing and towed vehicles.

(f) In this section, "GVWR" means the gross vehicle weight rating as defined in AS 28.40.100 (a)(9).